So we’re clear, here’s a good definition from Castlegate Homes of what panelized construction means:

The entire house super-structure or “shell” consisting of component parts (wall panels with integrated insulation, roof trusses, floor systems, and optional windows and exterior doors) are built and installed in a controlled, automated factory and then transported to the building site for final assembly according to the house blueprints.

This is different than modular construction (which I’ll cover in another post), but why is this any better than traditional stick-building? Jason’s analogy was this:

“Ford builds a good truck. But how good of quality would that truck be if they sent a mechanic to put it together in your driveway?”

Here’s a few additional reasons panelized construction makes so much sense for builders:

Projects are planned in advance, usually using 3D BIM technology, which allows all parties involved to collaborate before the construction starts.

A panel factory can cut lumber up to an accuracy as good as 1/16” – you won’t find many framers that can do that on a jobsite.

A typical 2000 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2-car garage home can be completed, from digging the foundation to homeowner occupation, in as few as 62 days.

That home can go from foundation-only to completely enclosed in 2.5 days with only a 3-man crew and a crane on the jobsite.

The construction waste from those 2.5 days was small enough to fit in a 55 gallon garbage can.

There’s no limit to how “custom” a home can be when you build with panelized. To prove that point, I saw photos of a 30,000 sq. ft., $20 million home that was built with panels from Blenker’s factory.

In 2010, less than 5% of new homes in the US were built with panelized construction. It seems this is a trend just perfect for the future of our industry. What’s stopping us from considering this different approach?

I am not sure what is so special about this espoused concept? Because I have built penalized buildings like hotels, homes and condos for 30 years. And I agree that this reduces waste and material loss it requires a factory that is precise in manufacture and the tolerances have to be such that moisture and daily temperature can be taken into account. I could not see from the article if the finishes were also installed at the factory. Because in any building that is where the money is.